Former Atlanta Braves star Freddy Freeman wrote a heartfelt farewell to fans on Saturday, ending it with a drop on the microphone.
Freeman’s exit felt uncomfortable at times. Since signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, there have been conceivable shots fired from Freeman and the Braves organization. Simply put, it is gratuitous given the history there.
The 32-year-old is a dodger. The brave must not like it, but there is no reason for hostility on any side. Freeman brought all this in a message to Braves Country.
“First of all, my relationship with (Braves head of baseball operations) Alex Anthopoulos is still great. When we spoke earlier this week, I told Alex how much I enjoyed my time in Atlanta, especially last year when we all experienced the excitement of winning the World Championship. I also apologize for some of the comments I made during the introductory press conference with the Dodgers.It has been a very emotional week for me and my family.
Everyone should know my wife, Chelsea, and I will always have respect for the entire Braves organization and the city of Atlanta. My family and I loved every minute we spent in Atlanta. We envisioned our future there, which is why it was an emotional week for us.”
Freeman embraced his time in Atlanta, and stated that he still considered it a second home of sorts. He is now up to the challenge that awaits us in a new city, a city he knows.
Freddy Freeman issues a challenge to Braves
Freeman is eloquent and clear in his message to Braves fans, thanks to some help from Mark Bowman of MLB.com. He didn’t want to appear as salty or ungrateful to the organization that raised him, and he accomplished just that.
He also wanted to give Dodgers fans a preview of what was to come — the tenacity and unyielding dedication to victory that comes with being a player in Freeman’s stature.
That’s why, even in his seemingly sunken farewell address to Braves fans, he ended with one last challenge. While some may be shy about rematching their former team in the post-season, Freeman welcomes it.
“See you in June… and in October.”
This is the competitive advantage we all know and love.
